Hilary Smith
Former Youth from Lafayette UMC
Summer Staff Alumnus
12xSSP Donor
What have you gained from your SSP experiences?
Hilary: “Besides the wonderful memories with the unique folks I met each summer, the most important things I’ve learned from SSP are empathy and project management. I cannot tell you how valuable co-running a kitchen was for my professional and personal development! Gaining the confidence and understanding of how a team works, while managing a bunch of goofy high schoolers running around with cleaning products and spatulas, is definitely something that will always be part of my internal fabric. Youth are amazing! When you hear so many different stories from SSPers from just spending time together, it really gets you to step outside of yourself and experience those feelings with them. SSP really allows you to ‘take a walk in someone else’s shoes.’”
“I cannot tell you how valuable co-running a kitchen was for my professional and personal development!”
What are you doing now?
Hilary: “Nowadays I live in Manhattan, New York, and work in promotional marketing as an importer/exporter. I’m the one who manages getting the goods from the manufacturer to your hands! I also have a food blog in my spare time, which I’m sure stems from my summer on staff at SSP as a cook.”
“People from all walks of life touch this organization and will impact you.”
Why have you chosen to give to SSP?
Hilary: “SSP is part of my soul. Each and every day I give thanks to the empowerment and humility I felt while working and attending. One can only feel so blessed to get to experience the connections you make, especially as diverse as those who are involved with SSP. From the homeowners, to the youth, to the adult counselors, to the staff, to the greater community, people from all walks of life touch this organization and will impact you.”
Editor’s Note: Hilary is one of several recent 12xSSP donors we want to highlight this month. You also can donate monthly to SSP like Hilary, and guess what: there’s no minimum amount required! Your gift will help sustain stories like hers for other youth and young adults who participate in the program, paving the way for a transformed and more loving future. Become a 12xSSP donor today.